Former acting ICE Director Tom Homan has hinted that Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) could face a federal investigation after her office hosted a webinar for illegal immigrants, detailing how to resist deportation. Homan expressed concerns that her actions might have violated federal law, prompting him to reach out to the Department of Justice.
The webinar, streamed live on Ocasio-Cortez’s Facebook page, provided guidance to illegal immigrants on dealing with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). During an interview on Fox News, Homan revealed he had contacted Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove to assess whether Ocasio-Cortez’s initiative hindered the Trump administration’s deportation efforts. “So, maybe AOC is going to be in trouble now, but I need the AOG to opine on that. Impediment is impediment, in my opinion,” Homan stated. “I’m not a prosecutor, but we need some further guidance on that.”
Ocasio-Cortez quickly fired back on social media, mocking Homan’s remarks. “MaYbe shE’s goiNg to be in TroUble nOw,” she posted, adding, “Maybe he can learn to read. The Constitution would be a good place to start.”
The webinar, though not attended by Ocasio-Cortez herself, featured legal experts who underscored that the Fourth Amendment’s protection against “unreasonable” searches applies to everyone, including illegal immigrants. A speaker identified as Laura explained that ICE requires a judge-signed warrant or consent to enter private spaces, while public spaces necessitate reasonable suspicion for arrests.
Genia Blaser from the Immigrant Defense Project emphasized that “ICE raids are political tactics… often intended to create fear.” She criticized the agency’s rhetoric, claiming it criminalizes immigrants and normalizes aggressive tactics.
Following the webinar, Ocasio-Cortez shared “Know Your Rights” materials in English and Spanish, advising illegal immigrants not to open doors without a warrant, avoid sharing personal details with authorities, and seek legal counsel in case of ICE operations. “If you’re pissed that I’m educating the people of this country of their Constitutional rights, that’s on you,” she wrote. “And yes, immigrants have rights too. This is the LAND of the free.”
Representing New York’s 14th District, Ocasio-Cortez serves constituents in the Bronx and Queens. Her resistance to the Trump administration’s immigration policies comes as ICE, under Homan’s guidance, prioritizes deporting illegal immigrants with criminal records.
Recent ICE operations in New York City have led to over 100 arrests, including gang members from the Tren de Aragua and MS-13, according to reports from the New York Post and New York Times.
While some New Yorkers, like one resident interviewed by NBC News, expressed concerns that ICE could target law-abiding immigrants, New York City Mayor Eric Adams has chosen to cooperate with the Trump administration’s deportation plans, diverging from Ocasio-Cortez’s stance.
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